Aspinall Faces Title Strip Amid Eye Injury Concerns

Tom Aspinall may be stripped of the UFC heavyweight title without losing a fight.

The reigning champion underwent multiple eye surgeries following a double eye poke in his October 2025 bout against Ciryl Gane. Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Talent Agency, who represents Aspinall, recently revealed the British fighter requires additional eye testing before clearing his return to competition.

UFC CEO Dana White addressed Aspinall's status during the post-fight press conference for Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn. "We'll definitely be talking about that," White told reporters, per MMA Junkie. "It's one of those – like, Valentina [Shevchenko] doesn't want to tie up the division. And I'm assuming Tom feels the same way. I don't know personally where he is healthwise with everything, but we should clear that up soon."

Gane has since claimed interim gold after stopping Alex Pereira via second-round stoppage in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event. Pereira has been pushing for a rematch, though critics including Henry Cejudo have argued for alternative matchups.

White recently dismissed suggestions that Aspinall's association with promotional rival Hearn has created friction. The UFC boss had hoped for Aspinall's swift return, but medical complications appear to have derailed those plans. The promotion is expected to clarify the heavyweight title picture in the coming weeks.